We’ve all heard the phrase “Charity starts at home.” Try substituting the word kindness for the word charity. As we approach Thanksgiving, the winter holidays, and a brand new year, it’s a great time to focus inward…with caring, kindness and self-love, then to project that outward.
There’s a meditation practice called Metta. Metta means Loving-Kindness. We practice it towards ourselves first, then our family, friends, acquaintances, those we have disagreements with (even those we are not acquainted with), and finally to all beings. Its a powerful, yet simple practice.
To get a little Metta into your life, you simply need to find a quiet place to be still for a few moments. Then, repeat these phrases to yourself.
May I Be Happy
May I Be Healthy
May I Be Safe From Harm
May I Live With Ease & Well-being
May I Be Free From Suffering*
*Repeat this sequence substituting others for yourself each time (think of a specific family member, friend, co-worker, or someone with a difference of opinion from yourself) Keep in mind that public figures also deserve Metta. At each repetition input the word(s) “You” or “All Beings” instead of “I”
Metta is a lovely practice because it starts inside each of us as we wish well for ourselves, then evolves until we expand all that good energy to all earthly beings. This Thanksgiving I’ll be offering a donation based yoga class of Kindness & Gratitude. Donations benefit the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. I’d love it if you’d join me! You can sign up with this link. https://tinyurl.com/y67bv4wt
I wish you, and all beings, to be happy, healthy, safe, and live in peace!